KOCHI: The Division-Bench of the Kerala High Court has rejected Transport Minister Thomas Chandy’s petition challenging the report submitted by the Alappuzha district collector stating that the minister has violated law with regards to the issue of backwater encroachment.

Pronouncing the verdict justice P N Raveendran of the division bench rejected the petition by the minister, while justice Devan Ramachandran has said that a cabinet minister cannot approach the court against the government.

While asking the minister to approach the collector if there is any mistakes in the report submitted by her, justice Raveendran also asked the collector to listen to Thomas Chandy’s complaint within 15 days. Also the judgement pronounced by justice Raveendran does not have any remarks against Thomas Chandy.

Meanwhile, justice Devan Ramachandran has severely criticised the minister. He pointed out that with Thomas Chandy approaching the court, the minister has violated the collective responsibility of the cabinet. He also said that a cabinet appealing against the government is a never-heard-before scenario. He further said that the action by the minister is violation of the Constitution of India, and a minister has no right to do so.

The court repeatedly criticised Thomas Chandy while it considered the case after noon. The court has said that the minister should descend from his pedestal and approach the case like a common man.